Why do I need to know how to research? We all have questions & need reliable information to help us answer these questions, make decisions, & solve problems. While some decisions may not be that important, others could be life-changing:
Which movie should I see this weekend?
How do I choose a college?
Should I become a neurosurgeon or a pro football player?
How can I help the homeless?
To answer your questions, you:
Examine available information sources
Evaluate the sources
Select the best & most reliable sources
You want to know what the experts say to help you analyze the topic & support or refute your ideas. You:
Ask questions
Jot down notes
Develop an informed point of view
Organize your information for effective presentation to others
In high school & college, you are often asked to "do" research, write a paper, or present a project, just as you will be asked someday on the job. After your heart palpitations & trembling subside, however, think:
You probably have some choice in your topic
You have grown up asking questions & searching for answers
You can access books & articles 24/7 through databases, & you have access to over 15,000 books in the GH Media Center (& more in the public library)
You will use these skills your whole life no matter what form the information takes - books, databases, websites, or even something unknown in the future
We all have questions & need reliable information to help us answer these questions, make decisions, & solve problems. While some decisions may not be that important, others could be life-changing:
To answer your questions, you:
You want to know what the experts say to help you analyze the topic & support or refute your ideas. You:
In high school & college, you are often asked to "do" research, write a paper, or present a project, just as you will be asked someday on the job. After your heart palpitations & trembling subside, however, think: